Patent Application
20220087222
The invention relates to a novel pet toy wherein a ball throwing device uses a curved throw stick with teeth on one side to launce the inventive ball, or multiple balls to launch and create a “zipping sound” as the ball(s) traverse the length of the throw stick (hereinafter Zipstick), and travel through the air for a pet to retrieve.
The invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 119/702 wherein Class 119 relates to animal husbandry and sub-class 702 includes exercise or amusement devices for animals.
In its simplest form, the invention comprises a novel ball throwing set comprising a launching blade and ball set that launches balls for a pet to fetch while creating an intriguing zipping sound as the ball(s) launch. The ball(s) with the set are designed with apertures that allow a user to stick the tip of the Zipstick through an aperture and easily pick the ball(s) up. The ball will travel to the hand end of the Zipstick and is ready to be launched again.
The inventive launcher is constructed in plastic with a molded tapered handle and blade similar in shape to a toy sword, wherein the handle and blade are a single molded piece. The handle provides comfortable ergonomic grip for the user, and the “blade” of the Zipstick has small teeth cut into one edge of the blade to create the “zipping” sound when a ball is launched therefrom.
The inventive set contains one ball, but additional balls are available specifically for the inventive set. The apertures in the balls are designed to allow them to be picked up easily by a user simply inserting the blade tip into an aperture and lift up on the Zipstick. The ball will travel toward the handle and be ready to be launched when a user throws the Zipstick forward. The outer edges of the balls are tapered or beveled so they are more malleable than the rest of the ball to allow the zipping sound to be loud enough to entice the pet.
As one or more balls traverse the length of the blade when a user applies the throwing motion, the aperture edges rub along the length of teeth on one side of the blade, creating a “zipping” sound to intrigue the pet. The smooth side of the blade aids in the ability for the balls to be launched even while contacting the side of the blade with teeth.
Once launched, one or more balls are retrieved by the pet, and are malleable yet durable so that the pet can grasp the ball by using one of the apertures on the ball so it is easy for the pet to carry and return to the user.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to the drawings in which:
The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes various embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention. The description includes what are presently believed to be the best modes of carrying out the invention.
In this regard, the invention is illustrated in two relatively simple figures; although sufficiently complex as to illuminate to one skilled in the art of such manufacturing and design, a viable method for making or using said invention.
